Effects of autoionizing states on two-photon double ionization of the H₂ molecule

Treating the effects of autoionizing intermediate states on two-photon double ionization (DI) of the H₂ molecule using time-dependent laser pulses is a significant computational challenge. Relatively long exposure times are critical to understanding the dynamics. Using the fixed-nuclei approximation, we demonstrate how the doubly excited states enhance the angle-integrated generalized cross sections in H₂, and how they affect the angular distribution pattern of the ejected electrons. As the energy approaches the threshold for sequential DI, there is a sharp rise in the cross section due to virtual sequential ionization